698 NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM—1965 
esting in their own right, is somewhat disturbing to the navy. One interesting by- 
product of the study of sounds is a record of the various squeaks, rattles and 
whistlings made by the different kinds of whales and porpoises. Yet, in spite ; 
of its concern for practical problems, the Office of Naval Research is one of 
the most enlightened supporters of research in the sea for its own sake. Research 
for its own sake is often called "basic research" --- perhaps it would be better 
to characterize it as inquiry into phenomena without a goal of immediate and ; 
specific practical application. } 
In recent years the Atomic Energy Commission has become an active supporter 
of such research, especially in ecology, since it has become obvious that if we | 
are to increase our use of radioactive materials, we need to know much more about 
the present environment of coastal waters in particular. One of the greatest gaps 
in our knowledge is that of the genetics of marine organisms -- what characters 
may be inherited and the mechanisms involved. A modest beginning has been made 
in this-field by Victor L. Loosanoff with clams, but until we know much more about 
the genetics of marine organisms, we are not prepared for the atomic age. 
Other agencies, such as the National Science Foundation and National Insti- 
tutes of Health, support many specific projects in marine biology. 
Indeed, the present support and future of marine biology seem to be ahead 
of the recruitment of able workers. In 1961 over 250 students were turned away 
from marine laboratories because there was not space enough for them, and 88 
were unable to find financing to continue their studies. It is also interesting 
to note that more than 600 were rejected because of lack of qualification for 
graduate study - inadequate scholarship is probably the greatest single reason 
for this rejection. The many young people who have been inspired by films, 
television and popular articles on marine biology should ponder this unfortunate 
circumstance, and remember that as in all other fields, the competition is getting 
rougher every day. But for those who survive, there are few more rewarding 
careers (except perhaps in actual money) than to be the member of a staff at a 
marine station -- providing of course that you love the sea and the smell of the 
shore at low tide and the salt water gurgling gently through your laboratory. 
Joel W. Hedgpeth 
